Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick skillet meal combining succulent shrimp with tender orzo pasta in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, finished with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp lemon zest, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and return shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to combine and warm through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Skillet?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Skillet?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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